Tag Archives: king

Poetry, Writing

The Red Sleeve

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(Poem 250 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)

https://images.app.goo.gl/AEKne1LC2D85dgqV6

In times long ago in the
Joseon era, all the maidens
who belonged to the King
wore red cuffs on their sleeves.

To be raised in the palace or
brought in by virtue of family
connections, proof of talent,
or as a favor, meant honor.

It was a privilege to empty the
bedpans of royalty, endure the
abuse of the upper class, serve
the needs of those of higher rank.

And if chosen as a concubine,
she should feel grateful that
her body, her mind, her virtue,
and her life will never be her own.

@Home Studio – 250th poem of the year (After watching the Korean drama The Red Sleeve.)

Jung Ji-in, The Red Sleeve. Lee Jun-ho, Lee Se-young, Kang Hoon, WeMad, Npio Entertainment, 12 Nov. 2021—1 Jan. 2022.

Poetry, Writing

The Mouths of Ghosts House of the Dragon

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(Poem 205 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)

AI Generated image I prompted on Gencraft.com https://gencraft.ai/p/jOqv7b

“With the king’s promises…you can feed the mouths of ghosts.” Mrs. Hammer

While the Sea Snake grieves
the Queen Who Never Was,
his granddaughter must lift
his gaze beyond self-pity and
remind him of the duty he owes
his queen who is blood and fire.

While the King Consort slowly
descends into madness amidst
strangers and ghosts at Harrenhal,
memories and regrets haunt
his dreams stealing his peace,
darke magic weakening him.

While the Usurper King lays
melted by dragon fire and pain,
the lowborn people starve and
wale and weep as one because
the gates are barred and the
stores are empty as a dry well.

@Home Studio – 205th poem of the year (after watching House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5.)

Condal, Ryan and George R. R. Martin, creators. House of the Dragon. HBO Entertainment and Warner Bros., 2024.

Runner ups for the Episode 5 photos to accompany my poem:

Poetry, Writing

Impossible Peace  House of the Dragon

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(Poem 197 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)

AI Generated image I prompted on Gencraft.com https://gencraft.ai/p/BcZSjF

The Hatfields and McCoys-like family feud
that was the Brackens and Blackwoods
paled in comparison to the bodies used
for fodder by those fighting for the throne.
The Dance of Dragons has begun in earnest,
despite the unspoken awareness by all that
bloodshed of kin by kin is a most appalling
form of violence to the gods of their ancestors.
While the men gnash their teeth, and their
dragons chomp at the bit, the women kneel
before alters of stone lighting candles and
whisper of impossible peace, the intent of
kings, and the wishes for undoing wrongs.

@Home Studio – 197th poem of the year (after watching House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 3.)

Condal, Ryan and George R. R. Martin, creators. House of the Dragon. HBO Entertainment and Warner Bros., 2024.

Runner ups for the Queen Prayers photos to accompany my poem:

Poetry, Writing

Esther

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(Poem 88 for 2024 – I am writing a poem a day)

AI Generated image I prompted on Gencraft.com https://gencraft.ai/p/b0Wu4s

Hadassah’s fate was sealed by her beauty,
to become queen of the Persians and Medes.
Though Jewish blood ran through her veins,
Ahasuerus supplied all her needs.

She was put in place to save her people
from Haman, a vindictive and hateful man
who wanted to kill her entire race
with a conniving and evil master plan.

By purim’s luck, the date was set
to exterminate every Jew in the land,
but Esther’s favor with the king bought grace,
which allowed her people to take a stand.

And on that day so long ago
when soldiers attacked the Jews,
they were ready with weapons to defend themselves
thanks to the king’s brave Jewish muse.

@Home Studio – 88th poem of the year